Brain Beverages . . .

Robert Valerde and Brenda Im just apprised me of a list of worst American drinks. I was blown away at the totals of calories and sugar! Even if they were only half-right, these beverages would not be good choices to improve one's brain function. Do you know what you are drinking? My beverages of choice are pure water, herb tea, and delta-E that is produced by IMPaXworld.com (you can obtain more information about delta-E at www.realizations.impaxworld.com).

http://worldmysteries9.blogspot.com/2010/05/harmful-drinks-in-america.html

Is there Really an Athlete Brain?

Have you ever wondered if the brain of an elete athlete is different from the brains of non-athletes? So have researchers. Turns out that current studies show there is a difference. Studies have shown that the brain's of athletes emitted stronger alpha waves, which indicate a restful state. This finding suggests that an athlete’s brain is like a race car idling in neutral, ready to spring into action. This means that the brains of athletes are more efficient, so they produce the desired result with the help of fewer neurons. The more efficient a brain, the better job it does in sports. Good genes may account for some of the differences in ability, but even the most genetically well-endowed prodigy clearly needs a great deal of practice to develop the brain of an athlete. As soon as someone starts to practice a new sport, the brain begins to change! Read more . . .


http://discovermagazine.com/2010/apr/16-the-brain-athletes-are-geniuses

Google? Stupid?

Those are not words that most people think of using together. For some, "stupid google" would be an oxymoron. A recent article by Laura Miller -- "Yes, the Internet is Rotting Your Brains" -- showcases a new book by Nicholas Carr (The Shallows, What the Internet is doing to Our Brains) that expands on his 2008 article entitled "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" Some of his points are well taken. Others . . . Google has become my encyclopedia. However, I still read half a dozen hard-copy books each month. How are you programming your brain?



http://www.salon.com/books/laura_miller/2010/05/09/the_shallows

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/6868/

Brain, Healing, and Perhaps Politics

A recent article published in the New Scientist reported that the "Brain shuts off in response to healer's prayer." Apparently, portions of the brain that are responsible for scepticism and vigilance become less active when the individuals comes under the "spell of a charismatic figure." This has implications for religion but certainly for politics, as well.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20627574.200-brain-shuts-off-in-response-to-healers-prayer.html

3-D Movies and Your Brain

Are you one of the estimated 30+% people who don't perceive 3-D, stuggle with it, or even get sick? Amanda Gardner, a HealthDay Reporter, recently wrote an article that highlights some of these differences. Turns out it has to do with vision and with perception, both of which have to do with your brain. She quotes Dr. James J. Salz, spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, as explaining: "In 3-D movies, your eyes have to be working together as a team perfectly. You have to have equally clear images in both eyes.; Then you will get the fusion of the two images." In addition, you need a good fusional mechanism. Turns out not everyone does. It might be helpful to figure this out before you purchase a 3-D television!

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2010/04/08/some-people-cant-stomach-the-new-3-d-movies.html